Take Your Game to the Next Level!

What’s Your Bid? 5-3

#3 East West VulnerableNorth East South West???North ♠ A J 4 3 2 ♥ A Q ♦ K 7 6 ♣ A Q 9I get this question a lot! North holds a balanced 20-21 point hand. These hands should be opened 2NT even with the 5-card major. The idea behind this bid is that the opening lead should come up to, rather than through, a hand this strong.

If North opens 1♥ and South bids 1NT the correct rebid is 3NT – Well now look who is the dummy!

BTW: This same idea applies to hands with 15-17 points and a five-card major. Start with 1NT. Eventually, your partner will learn Puppet Stayman and your partnership will be able to uncover the 5-3 major fit. Until then, you will end up playing 3NT with a 5-3 major fit.

Let me hear your comments!

Visit Play Better Bridge for FREE lesson videos called Bid These Hands with Me! World Champion and Master Teacher Donna Compton walks you through her thought process of opening leads, passive vs aggressive defense and many more “must know” defensive ideas. She will then talk about how she makes the decision as to which technique to apply. The combination of being a world-class player, along with the ability to share her thoughts with all levels of players makes these webinar videos unique. Join Donna today and take your game to the next level!